THUNDER BAY – NEWS – Dilico Anishinabek Family Care (Dilico) and Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation are pleased to announce the signing of a collaboration protocol. The protocol is intended to formally clarify and strengthen the existing working relationship between the agency and the First Nation, in an on-going effort to achieve the First Nations’ objective of providing culturally appropriate customary care and family support services to Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation members residing in the District of Thunder Bay.
The announcement marks a renewed commitment to a successful partnership between a First Nation and Dilico.
The protocol is intended to comply with both Mishkeegogamang’s traditional family care values, and Dilico’s Mikinaak Customary Care Service Model in providing culturally based Anishinabek Child Welfare Services to all First Nations residing in the District of Thunder Bay.
Under the Mikinaak Customary Care Service Model, and consistent with Mishkeegogamang traditional family care practice, the First Nation community, family and extended family participate in the development of care plans that can ensure a child’s safety, identify and social development, and well-being are protected and promoted to the fullest extent possible.
According to Mishkeegogamang Chief Connie Gray-McKay, “The signing of the collaboration protocol recognizes the critical role of First Nations in caring for their children, and respectfully confirms the inherent rights of all First Nations, including Mishkeegogamang, to care, plan, and advocate for their children, families, and community members.”
The signing ceremony was held on Tuesday, August 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m.
“We are honoured to be able to work with Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation on a partnership to ensure the best delivery of services for Anishinabek families and children residing within Dilico’s mandated area” said Darcia Borg, Dilico’s Executive Director.
Mishkeegogamang Ojibway Nation is a signatory to the James Bay Treaty No. 9.
The First Nation community is accessible by road and is situated approximately around the area where the Albany River meets Lake St. Joseph. Today, just over 900 people live on its two reserves, while about 500 live off the reserve, either within the First Nation’s traditional territory or in other communities. The First Nation exercises its inherent jurisdiction to plan and provide for safe and culturally appropriate child and family services through customary care agreements with appropriate services providers, including Dilico Anishinabek Family Care.
Dilico Anishinabek Family Care is a First Nation governed organization. Dilico’s continuum of service is comprised of the following programs and services, which are all made available in different capacities that include Health, Mental Health and Addictions, and Child Welfare.
